R 340.1799b

MARSE R 340.1799b Teachers of students with visual impairment; special requirements.

Rule 99b.

The teacher education program for teachers of students with visual impairment shall include a minimum of 30 semester or equivalent hours pursuant to R 340.1781, R 340.1782, and all of the following:

1. Understand and apply knowledge of the foundations for the education of students with visual impairments, including unique characteristics and needs, as well as ethical considerations relating to students' education.
2. Research and understand legislation and policies which impact identification, educational continuum, placement, service delivery, and outcomes.
3. Knowledge of normal development of the visual system, structure and function of the eye, diseases and disorders of the eye, and their educational implications.
4. Understand the effects of a visual impairment on early development in the following areas:
   1. Cognition.
   2. Self-help.
   3. Language.
   4. Motor skills.
   5. Social emotional interactions.
5. Interpret eye reports and other vision-related diagnostic information.
6. Proficiency in the use and transcription of the literary braille and nemeth code using a braillewriter and slate and stylus.
7. Instructional strategies for teaching braille and early literacy skills.
8. Techniques for production of tactile graphics and instruction of tactile perceptual skills.
9. Instructional strategies for teaching communication skills, including adapting materials for students with visual and unique educational needs.
10. Understand and apply knowledge of formal and informal assessments and evaluations; use resulting data and other information to make service and programming recommendations; participate in the development of students' individualized education programs and individualized family service plans.
11. Use data to identify individualized instructional strategies that enhance learning for students with visual impairments through modification of the environment, adaptation of materials, and the use of disability-specific methodologies and technologies.
12. Systematic instruction in sensory perceptual skills including, but not limited to, visual, tactile, and auditory skills.
13. Utilize and integrate appropriate technologies to access the general education curriculum content.
14. Teach students to use a variety of adaptive, augmentative, and assistive technologies to facilitate their own learning in the content areas.
15. Promote students' development and concepts of social and independent living skills.
16. Knowledge of the role and function of a certified orientation and mobility specialist.
17. Prepare students to respond to societal attitudes and actions with positive behavior and self-determination leading to self-advocacy.
18. Collaborate with parents and service providers in educational, public, and private agencies to support students with visual impairments. Facilitate transitions across all environments.
19. The 30 semester or equivalent hours shall be distributed to prioritize preparation, including pre-student teaching field experiences in assessing, teaching, and modifying instruction related to subdivisions (a) to (r) of this subrule for students with a visual impairment.